Hyderabad, August 1, 2026: ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA), Hyderabad, organised a Kisan Mela at Kusarampalli village in Chincholi Taluk of Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, under its Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) programme. The initiative was aimed at promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices and enhancing farmers' preparedness for the anticipated El Niño conditions.

During the programme, ICAR-CRIDA scientists informed farmers about the potential impact of El Niño on agriculture and provided guidance on suitable crop management strategies to minimise climate-related risks. They encouraged farmers to adopt climate-resilient farming practices and appropriate adaptation measures to sustain agricultural productivity under changing weather conditions.

As part of the SC Sub Plan initiative, eligible beneficiary farmers received a range of agricultural inputs and equipment, including bullock-drawn planters, hand weeders, bio-fertilizers, and seedlings of mango, lemon, guava and pomegranate. These interventions are intended to strengthen farm mechanization, promote sustainable farming practices and improve overall farm productivity.

Scientists also distributed soil health awareness folders to encourage regular soil testing and balanced fertilizer use for maintaining soil fertility. Farmers were educated on the importance of cultivating millets and establishing backyard nutri-gardens to improve household nutritional security. In addition, awareness was created on the benefits of rainwater harvesting, agroforestry and bio-fertilizer application for enhancing crop productivity and building long-term climate resilience.

The Kisan Mela witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of farmers belonging to Kusarampalli, Shivreddypalli, Chindanoor and several neighbouring villages, reflecting strong community interest in climate-smart agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.

The programme reinforced ICAR-CRIDA's commitment to empowering farmers through technology dissemination, climate adaptation strategies and sustainable agricultural interventions under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan, contributing to resilient and productive dryland farming systems in Karnataka.

Source: ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA), Hyderabad.